Discuss any experiences you might have had with a pet in which they have indicated unusual insight and intuition.

In what ways do the mystery's many suspects embody its central thematic exploration of truth versus illusion? Consider particularly Mary Duckworth, Hollis Prantz, and Ben Nicholas.

Consider and discuss, section by section, the various characters, actions and circumstances pointed out by the author. Which elements draw the attention of the reader to genuine clues and which are so-called "red herrings,"or false clues? Explore the relationship between the latter and the former. What do you think are the genuine clues that the false clues are attempting to distract the reader from?

Also section by section, consider and discuss ways in which actions and reactions of the various characters dramatize two of the narrative's primary thematic considerations. They are the tension between truth and illusion and the value of...